ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves the acquisition of 70% shareholding in Saudi Basic Industries Corporation  by Saudi Arabian Oil Company , under Section 31 of the Competition Act, 2002, today.
The proposed transaction entails acquisition of 70% shareholding in SABIC, currently held by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia by Saudi Aramco. Through this acquisition of shares, Saudi Aramco will acquire sole control over SABIC.
Saudi Aramco is primarily engaged in the exploration, production and marketing of crude oil and natural gas. It is also active, to a lesser extent, in the production and marketing of refined products and petrochemicals. In India, Saudi Aramco is mainly active in the supply of crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, base oil and petrochemical products.
SABIC is primarily active in the production and sale of commodity chemicals , intermediates, polymers, fertilizers and to some extent metals. In India, SABIC is mainly active in the supply of agri-nutrient and petrochemical products.
Detailed order of the Commission will follow.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
BIS Introduces Standard IS 18267: 2023 for Agri By-Product Utensils
Standard promotes environmental conservation, circular economy and consumer well-being
With rising demand for biodegradable cutlery, Indian large-scale manufacturers and MSMEs to benefit with the Standard
The Bureau of Indian Standards  has published IS 18267: 2023 "Food Serving Utensils Made from Agri By-Products – Specification," aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. The standard provides comprehensive guidelines to manufacturers and consumers, ensuring uniformity in quality requirements across the country.
The implementation of this standard has extensive advantages as using biodegradable agri by-product utensils can contribute towards environmental safety, conserve natural resources, and promote a circular economy. These utensils are free from harmful additives and ensure consumer well-being. The standard also creates economic opportunities for farmers and supports sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to rural development.
The rising use of disposable tableware worldwide is driving the global market for disposable tableware. Disposable plate’s market size was valued at USD 4.26 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 6.73 Billion by 2028, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate  of 5.94% from 2021 to 2028.
In India, numerous large-scale and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises  level manufacturers are actively contributing to the production of biodegradable cutlery, and they stand to benefit immensely with this Standard. The demand for these products is consistently rising, leading to a steady growth in the number of manufacturers involved in their production.
The standard covers various aspects, including raw materials, manufacturing techniques, performance, and hygiene requirements for the production of biodegradable utensils. It specifies the use of agricultural by-products, such as leaves and sheaths, as preferred materials for making plates, cups, bowls, and more. The standard recommends appropriate parts of plants and trees and provides manufacturing techniques like hot pressing, cold pressing, moulding, and stitching. It also emphasizes smooth surfaces, non-sharp edges, and prohibits the use of chemicals, resins and adhesives.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. While conveying his condolences, the Prime Minister has announced ex gratia for the dead.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted :
"Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased: PM"
Prime Minister's Office
Amrit Sarovars are also ensuring harmony with those we share our planet with: Prime Minister
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has underlined the importance of Amrit Sarovars and said that in addition to water conservation and community participation, Amrit Sarovars are also ensuring harmony with those we share our planet with.
Responding to the tweet by Assam Chief Minister, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma about elephants taking summer dip in one of serene Sarovars at Singra in Kamrup district in Assam, the Prime Minister said;
“Delightful sight. In addition to water conservation and community participation, Amrit Sarovars are also ensuring harmony with those we share our planet with.”
Ministry of Finance
Exchange Rate Notification No. 101/2021 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby makes the following amendments in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Notification No.98/2021-CUSTOMS , dated 16th December, 2021 with effect from 22nd December, 2021.
In the SCHEDULE-I of the said Notification, for serial No.18 and the entries relating thereto, the following shall be substituted, namely: -
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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-
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18.
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Turkish Lira
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5.80
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5.45
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President's Secretariat
President’s greetings on the eve of Buddha Purnima
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, in his message on the eve of Buddha Purnima has said: -
“On the joyous occasion of Buddha Purnima, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all the citizens of the country.
Lord Buddha is a resplendent symbol of lofty idealism and concern for humanity. The messages preached by Tathagatha, of compassion, non-violence and equality serve as beacon-lights for humanity in its path towards spiritual emancipation. Lord Buddha’s profound teachings of equality, love, kindness and tolerance are of increasing relevance in the present times.
May the message of Lord Buddha inspire us to follow the path of truth and compassion and work unitedly for the peace, progress and prosperity of our nation”.
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Ministry of Jal Shakti
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Objectives under Jal Jeevan Mission
Since August, 2019, to make provision of potable tap water supply to every rural household of the country by 2024, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission  in partnership with States/UTs.
At the time of announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission, 3.23 Crore  households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, around 7.52 Crore  additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 19.12.2022, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 10.75 Crore  households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.
“Water” being a state subject, the powers to plan, approve, implement & operate & maintain water supply schemes are vested with States. As such, grievances/ complaints etc. are disposed in respective State/ UT. Accordingly, complaints on irregularities / corruption/ grievances received so far have been forwarded to the respective State Government for taking necessary action. Field visits are also undertaken on a periodic basis to assess the quality of implementation of various works and components of the JJM. The JJM Dashboard has also been developed where the information on the progress on the Mission at state, district and panchayat levels are provided in public domain. Grievances received through the CPGRAMS portal are also taken up for resolution with the respective state/UT.
State/ UT-wise details of Central fund allocated, drawn and utilization reported by the States/ UTs under erstwhile NRDWP in 2017-18 & 2018-19 and under Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 & 2022-23  are annexed.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
AAI has taken up developmental projects worth around Rs. 25,000 crores over the next five years
Around 36,000 Crores to be invested in the development of new Greenfield Airports across the country under PPP mode
Under  Scheme, 393 routes have commenced connecting 62 unserved and underserved airports
Some of the developmental projects being undertaken for the development of civil aviation in India are as follows:
 The Airports Authority of India  has taken up developmental projects worth around Rs. 25,000 crores over the next five years for expansion and modification of existing terminals, new terminals, expansion or strengthening of existing runways, aprons, air navigation services, control towers, technical blocks etc.
 Three Public Private Partnership  airports at Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru have undertaken developmental projects to the tune of Rs. 30,000 Crores by 2025.
 Around Rs. 36,000 Crores have been planned for investment in the development of new greenfield airports across the country under PPP mode.
 Government of India  has accorded 'in-principle' approval for setting up of 21 greenfield airports across the country. So far, eight greenfield airports namely, Shirdi in Maharashtra, Durgapur in West Bengal, Pakyong in Sikkim, Kannur in Kerala, Orvakal in Andhra Pradesh, Kalaburagi in Karnataka, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh have been operationalized.
 Under Regional Connectivity Scheme , also known as the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik  Scheme, as on 24 Nov 2021, 393 routes have commenced connecting 62 unserved and underserved airports, including 2 water aerodromes and 6 heliports.
Development of infrastructure projects is an ongoing process. The timeline for completion of an airport development project depends upon many factors, such as, land acquisition by the concerned State Government, receipt of mandatory clearances from various Government entities and regulatory authorities, changes in traffic volumes, financial closure by the airport developer and disruptions due to man-made or natural causes. Most of the above-mentioned developmental projects are likely to be completed over the next five years.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry Of Civil Aviation (Gen.
 V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Post Matric OBC Hostels
Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has received proposals for construction of hostels for OBC boys and Girls from the State Government of Odisha. These proposals were examined and were found incomplete. The State Government of Odisha has been informed of the deficiencies and to resubmit the complete proposals.
This information was given by The Minister of State Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Rajasthan and Mumbai
Income Tax Department carried out search and seizure operations on 16.06.2022 on a business group involved in retail and export sale of handicrafts, cash financing, purchase and sale of land and buildings, alongwith some bullion traders. The search operation covered more than 25 premises spread across Rajasthan and Mumbai.
During the course of the search operation, several incriminating documents have been found and seized. The perusal of seized evidences indicates that the group has indulged in unaccounted cash transactions in real estate business as well as obtaining bogus purchase bills. The modus operandi of the group has been to suppress profits of the handicrafts business by inflating the purchases in the books of account, through bogus bills of gold and silver arranged from bullion traders. During the search, it has also been seen that cash has been received back against the cheques issued to these bullion traders.
Cash was found to be utilised for investment in real estate as well as for obtaining cheques to be introduced as credits into the books of account. The seized evidence also revealed that the group recently acquired few shell companies through entry operators.
The search action has led to seizure of unaccounted cash exceeding Rs. 1.30 crore and unaccounted gold jewellery exceeding Rs. 7.90 crore. Prima facie, estimated unaccounted income in excess of Rs. 100 crore has been unearthed, so far.
Further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh lauds the Army medical COVID related assistance for Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir.
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has lauded the Army medical COVID related assistance for Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir, and appreciated the Armed Forces Medical Services  for responding to step in at the early stage of pandemic, in order to supplement the diagnostic and treatment facilities in the initial phase of preparedness.
In the context of Northeast, General Banerji briefed Dr Jitendra Singh about the latest developments and current status. He disclosed that while in Arunachal Pradesh, Military Hospital Tenga had 80 designated beds for COVID and 2 ICU beds, Military Hospital at Likabali has 82 designated beds for COVID and 2 ICU beds. Similarly, at Jorhat in Assam and Shillong in Meghalaya, Armed forces Medical Services had made available 110 and 247 designated COVID beds respectively, in addition to 10 and 4 ICU beds respectively.
While receiving an update from the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services , Lt Gen Anup Banerji, Dr Jitendra Singh had a special word of praise for the Army Command Hospital in Udhampur which had earmarked 200 designated beds for COVID cases and 6 beds in ICU for critical cases including civilian patients, in the beginning itself. Similarly, he noted that the Army Hospital in Srinagar had also designated 124 beds and Army Hospital in Rajouri had designated 82 beds for COVID cases in order to supplement the facilities set up by Health authorities of the Union Territory government. In addition, the Command Hospital Udhampur was also providing diagnostic facilities right from the beginning, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the proactive support in the initial stages of COVID pandemic which had also contributed in reducing the disease burden. He also mentioned the quarantine camps and isolation facilities set up by the Armed Forces Medical Sercvices.
Director General AFMS informed the Minister that the number of such hospitals is being enhanced depending upon the situation and availability of equipment from suppliers. He assured the Minister that in future also, the number of beds will be increased depending upon the situation.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 199.01 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 6.98 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,99,01,83,135
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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6,98,57,850
More than 199.01 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 6.98 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister to Declare Open the First ever Khelo India University Games
The first-ever Khelo India University Games will take off in Odisha with a mega launch event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Cuttack on February 22, 2020.
Honourable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi will declare open the multi-disciplinary sporting event through video conference.
The Khelo India University Games are being launched by the Government of India in association with the Government of the State of Odisha.
The Games will be held from 22 February to 1st March 2020 at Bhubaneswar.
This is the largest ever competition held at university level in India and will have about 3500 athletes from over 150 universities across the country taking part in it.
There will be a total of 17 sports namely archery, athletics, boxing, fencing, judo, swimming, weightlifting, wrestling, badminton, basketball, football, hockey, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, rugby and kabaddi. The attempt is to make the Khelo India University Games an aspirational competition for India’s youngsters with twin objectives of helping them find the balance between sport and education.
Khelo India Programme, a brain child of the Prime Minister was introduced to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country and establish India as a great sporting nation.
Government of India successfully conducted the Khelo India School Games in 2018 and the National Youth Games in 2019 and 2020.
Ministry of Finance
Cabinet approves procedure and mechanism for Strategic Disinvestment of the CPSEs – delegation thereof
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved delegation of the following to Alternative Mechanism in all the cases of Strategic Disinvestment of CPSEs where CCEA has given 'in principle’ approval for strategic disinvestment:
 The quantum of shares to be transacted, mode of sale and final pricing of the transaction or lay down the principles/ guidelines for such pricing; and the selection of strategic partner/ buyer; terms and conditions of sale; and
 To decide on the proposals of CGD with regard the timing, price, the terms & conditions of sale, and any other related issue to the transaction.
This will facilitate quick decision-making and obviate the need for multiple instances of approval by CCEA for the same CPSE.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on Coronavirus: Revised travel advisories issued
As already communicated yesterday, Travel Advisory further revised informing the public to refrain from travel to China and that anyone with travel history in China since 15th January 2020 and from now on could be quarantined.
• e-Visa facility for Chinese passport holders has been temporarily suspended.
• e-Visa already issued to Chinese nationals is not valid temporarily.
• The facility for submitting the application online for the physical visa from China is suspended.
• People having compelling reasons to visit India asked to contact the India embassy in Beijing or consulate in Shanghai or Guangzhou.
Ministry of Finance
Tariff Notification in respect of Fixation of Tariff Value of Edible Oils, Brass Scrap, Poppy Seeds, Areca Nut, Gold and Silver
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section  of section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, being satisfied that it is necessary and expedient so to do, hereby makes the following amendments in the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance , No. 36/2001-Customs , dated the 3rd August, 2001, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section-3, Sub-section , vide number S. O. 748 , dated the 3rd August, 2001, namely:-
In the said notification, for TABLE-1, TABLE-2, and TABLE-3 the following Tables shall be substituted, namely: -
“TABLE-1
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Sl. No.
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Chapter/ heading/ sub-heading/tariff item
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Description of goods
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Tariff value

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1
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1511 10 00
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Crude Palm Oil
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551
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2
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1511 90 10
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RBD Palm Oil
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570
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3
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1511 90 90
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Others – Palm Oil
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561
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4
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1511 10 00
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Crude Palmolein
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571
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5
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1511 90 20
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RBD Palmolein
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574
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6
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1511 90 90
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Others – Palmolein
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573
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7
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1507 10 00
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Crude Soya bean Oil
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746
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8
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7404 00 22
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Brass Scrap 
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3446
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9
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1207 91 00
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Poppy seeds
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3395
TABLE-2
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Sl. No.
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Chapter/ heading/ sub-heading/tariff item
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Description of goods
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Tariff value

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1.
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71 or 98
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Gold, in any form, in respect of which the benefit of entries at serial number 356 of the Notification No. 50/2017-Customs dated 30.06.2017 is availed
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479 per 10 grams
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2.
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71 or 98
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Silver, in any form, in respect of which the benefit of entries at serial number 357 of the Notification No. 50/2017-Customs dated 30.06.2017 is availed
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565 per kilogram
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3.
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71
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 Silver, in any form, other than medallions and silver coins having silver content not below 99.9% or semi-manufactured forms of silver falling under sub-heading 7106 92;
 Medallions and silver coins having silver
content not below 99.9% or semi-manufactured forms of silver falling under sub-heading 7106 92, other than imports of such goods through post, courier or baggage.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this entry, silver in any form shall not include foreign
currency coins, jewellery made of silver or
articles made of silver.
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565 per kilogram
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4.
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71
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 Gold bars, other than tola bars, bearing manufacturer’s or refiner’s engraved serial number and weight expressed in metric units;
 Gold coins having gold content not below 99.5% and gold findings, other than imports of such goods through post, courier or baggage.
Explanation. - For the purposes of this entry, “gold findings” means a small component such as hook, clasp, clamp, pin, catch, screw back used to hold the whole or a part of a piece of Jewellery in place.
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479 per 10 grams
TABLE-3
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Sl. No.
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Chapter/ heading/ sub-heading/tariff item
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Description of goods
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Tariff value

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1
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080280
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Areca nuts
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3915”
RM
(
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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- 197.46 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 99,602
- Active cases stand at 0.23%
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.56%
- 11,574 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,28,08,666
- 14,506 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate 
- Weekly Positivity Rate 
- 86.19 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,33,659 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
#Unite2FightCorona #IndiaFightsCorona
Press Information Bureau
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Government of India